Sussex County, DE, (August 25, 2011)–“Sussex County is Open for Business,” the first in a series of free monthly business development fairs, will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Sussex County West Complex Building, Georgetown. The event will be sponsored by the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC) and hosted by the Sussex County Council. Call 302-856-1555 for a reservation.

“Sussex County is Open for Business” is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs wishing to identify financial and business coaching resources, brainstorm with experts and obtain advice on business fundamentals. The event is also useful for existing business owners looking to improve and expand their companies to learn of County, State and Federal programs to support business growth.

Participants will include:

Delaware Center for Enterprise Development-DSU

Delaware Economic Development Office

Delaware Small Business & Technology Development Center

DEMEP (Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership)

DTCC-Entrepreneur Center

Southern Delaware Tourism

SCORE Delaware

Sussex County Economic Development Office

U.S. Small Business Administration

YWCA-Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship

“SEDAC’s goal is to bring jobs and increased prosperity to Sussex County,” explains Chairperson Patti Grimes. “This series of events, bringing together county-wide business resources, is just one of the ways we’re seeking to galvanize economic development.”

SEDAC (http://www.sedac-de.org) is a nonprofit organization comprised of business, education, Sussex County Cooperative Extension and government representatives who are committed to attracting, expanding and retaining business in Sussex County. It seeks to support existing businesses, foster entrepreneurship, facilitate improvements to the county’s infrastructure and build a well-trained workforce.

The University of Delaware Sussex County Cooperative Extension office in Georgetown will offer two different levels of food safety courses, ServSafe® and Dine Safe in September 2011. Workshops will be held at the Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown. Both ServSafe® and Dine Safe are appropriate for any individual who works for the food industry (restaurant, church cafeteria, school) or who handles, prepares and serves food to the public.

Food safety in a food service establishment is non-negotiable; each year, an estimated 6 to 12 million Americans contract a food-borne illness as a result of micro-organism contamination. These illnesses are preventable. Proper training is the key to preparing food in a safe environment.

Dr. Anne Camasso, family and consumer science educator for Sussex Cooperative Extension teaches the ServSafe® and Dine Safe classes at the Carvel facility. Camasso said employee instruction in food safety practices is not only vital, but makes good business sense.

“With all the information about food borne illnesses in the news today people want to make sure they get the best for their money, restaurants who can demonstrate that they have done all in their power to provide safe, as well as tasty food, have a better chance of bringing in the business, ” says Camasso. “If someone from your restaurant takes either of these classes, post a copy of their certificate in your facility so show your patrons that you care.”

The ServSafe® program is the premiere food safety certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The program is designed for the food-service professional.

A ServSafe® certificate from the NRAEF will be awarded to individuals who complete the course and receive a passing grade on the exam. Instructors are registered ServSafe® instructors with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The cost of $150 for the course covers the training, textbook, lunch, and certification examination from the NRAEF. A reduced course fee of $130 is available for three or more registrants from one establishment. A ServSafe certification is valid for five years and is nationally recognized.

Delaware Dine Safe is a three hour short course designed to focus on the basic principles of food safety and handling. Each participant receives a training guide with the information covered in the program. The instructor will use presentations and hands-on activities to reinforce the lessons taught. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

The Dine Safe training concentrates on five food service topics: Food Safety; Ensuring Proper Personal Hygiene; Purchasing, Receiving and Storing Foods; Preparing Cooking and Serving Food; and Cleaning and Sanitizing. The Dine Safe short course is $25. Dine Safe can be scheduled at a business location provided there are at least 10 employees enrolled.

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin. If you have special needs, please advise the office upon registering.

Dine Safe ($25) will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The class runs from 6-9 p.m. For a full listing of all food safety classes visit our website (www.rec.udel.edu) where the entire statewide listing of food safety classes is available at all county Cooperative Extension offices. For more information contact Michele Walfred at 302-856-2585 ext 550. You can also download the Delaware food safety course offering brochure here.